
Par La, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
China, asia
92.8 km
5,578 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Par La, also known as Yu La, is calling your name! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, clocking in at a staggering 18,300 feet above sea level. Seriously, you'll feel like you're on top of the world!
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The Zhonglong Highway is completely unpaved and stretches for about 58 miles from the G219 toward Buduoxiang. We're talking serious off-road vibes! Keep your eyes on the road (if you dare!), because this climb is a real oxygen-sucking, mountainous adventure.
Fair warning: you'll probably only be able to tackle this beast in the summer. And don't expect any fancy amenities up there – electricity, medical help, and western toilets are about as common as unicorns. But hey, who needs those when you've got views that'll blow your mind?
Where is it?
Par La, recommended for drivers with strong nerves is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.7623, 101.5791
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 92.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,578 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.7623, 101.5791
Related Roads in asia
extremeDriving the unpaved road to Lake Saiful Muluk, the Mirror of Heaven in Pakistan
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna reach the breathtaking Saif ul Maluk Lake, a shimmering emerald gem nestled at 3,224 meters (10,578 feet) in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? Buckle up, because the Naran-Saiful Muluk Road is a wild ride! Forget your sedans; you'll NEED a 4x4 to conquer this 9.0 km (5.59 miles) unpaved beast. Starting in Naran, this climb is seriously steep, boasting an average gradient of 8.72% and a max of 18%! Get ready for 11 hairpin turns and some seriously scary drop-offs that'll test your nerves! Fair warning: this route is usually snowed in from late October until late June/early July. Even in summer, expect chilly temps, especially at night, and be aware of potential avalanches. But trust me, the reward is SO worth it. Imagine crystal-clear waters reflecting the majestic Karakoram mountains. The scenery is simply unreal! Although the lake is perfect for pictures, boating is risky, as the depth is unknown. Saif ul Maluk is a must-see destination if you're up for the challenge!
hardThe inhumane climb to Kawak Pass with 38% ramps
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: Kawak Pass in Xinjiang, China. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about a high-altitude monster sitting pretty at 5,126m (16,817ft)! Forget the pavement; you'll be tearing it up on the totally unpaved Hashen Highway. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Get ready to wrestle with 31 hairpin turns as you climb! The road is STEEP. We're talking about gradients hitting a crazy 38% in spots. You'll start your ascent from China National Highway 219 (G219) and grind your way up 26.9km (16.71 miles), gaining a whopping 1,742 meters in elevation. The average gradient is about 6.47%, so buckle up and get ready for some serious climbing! The scenery is absolutely unreal, so if you dare to drive it, enjoy the views!
hardWhere is Daulat Beg Oldi?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're talking about Daulat Beg Oldi, a military base way up high in the northern reaches of India. Think serious altitude – we're talking one of the highest roads in the country! Heads up, this isn't your Sunday drive. It's a wild, unpaved military road, and strictly off-limits to civilians. Plus, you're dealing with extreme elevation, so AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness) is a real threat. And the weather? Let's just say it's unpredictable, with temperatures plummeting way below freezing in winter. Fasten your seatbelts and bring your bravado — it is a wild ride!
moderateDriving the Scenic Shigi-Ikoma Skyline through Mount Ikoma
🇯🇵 Japan
Cruising the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline in Japan is like riding a roller coaster through pure scenic bliss! This toll road hugs the ridges of Mount Ikoma and Mount Shigi, right in the heart of the Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park straddling Nara and Osaka prefectures. Clocking in at about 21 km (13 miles), this fully paved road is not for the faint of heart; some sections boast a wild 24% gradient. You'll climb to a peak elevation of 642 meters (2,106 feet) on Mount Ikoma. Keep in mind, this route is usually open from 6:30 AM to either 11:00 PM (Nov-Feb) or midnight (Mar-Oct), but double-check because bad weather can shut things down. And sorry, no motorcycles allowed! But the views? Absolutely worth it. The Shigi-Ikoma Skyline is famous as the "Mecca of Night View" for a reason. Pull over at the observation points to soak in panoramic vistas of Osaka and Nara. Don't miss the Yuhi (“Sunset”) Parking Lot near the Shotenguchi Toll Booth for incredible sunsets. On a clear day, you might even glimpse the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kansai International Airport way off in the distance. For the ultimate view, head to Skyland Ikoma, the amusement park at the summit of Mount Ikoma. When the lights twinkle at night, it's like looking down into a giant jewelry box!